AI Lead Developer and Architect

AI Lead Developer / Architect

Job Description

We’re looking for an AI Lead Developer with deep expertise in Generative AI and Agentic AI systems, combined with strong architectural leadership and client engagement capabilities.

This is a high-visibility role where you’ll architect scalable GenAI platforms, lead engineering teams, manage enterprise AI engagements, and build production-grade intelligent systems powered by LLMs, RAG architectures, ReAct agents, and advanced AI workflows.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and lead development of enterprise-grade Generative AI solutions using LLMs and advanced prompting strategies.

• Design and implement Agentic AI workflows, including ReAct (Reasoning + Acting) agents and multi-agent orchestration systems using frameworks such as LangGraph and LangChain.

• Build scalable Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures with context engineering, evaluation pipelines, and guardrails.

• Develop and optimize advanced prompting techniques (few-shot, zero-shot, chain-of-thought, self-reflection, structured prompting, tool-augmented prompting).

• Implement structured interaction frameworks using Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar standards.

• Develop asynchronous, distributed AI applications optimized for performance and horizontal scale.

• Design modular AI systems using microservices architecture and API-first design principles.

• Implement AI monitoring, observability, and evaluation frameworks using tools such as Langfuse (for tracing, performance monitoring, hallucination tracking, and cost analysis).

• Work closely with DevOps teams to productionize AI solutions using Docker, containerization best practices, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native deployment models.

• Lead client and vendor engagements as the AI technical authority — driving architecture decisions and AI solution roadmaps.

• Mentor and manage AI/ML engineering teams, setting technical standards and architectural best practices.

• Deploy and manage AI systems in Azure cloud environments (preferred).

• Develop backend AI services, APIs, and data pipelines using Python and SQL.

• Drive responsible AI practices, governance frameworks, and model lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in AI/ML engineering with leadership exposure

• Deep expertise in Generative AI, LLM ecosystems, and prompt engineering

• Strong hands-on experience designing ReAct agents and agentic AI workflows

• Advanced experience designing and optimizing RAG architectures

• Strong understanding of advanced prompting techniques (few-shot, chain-of-thought, self-consistency, tool calling, structured outputs)

• Experience with LangGraph, LangChain, Azure OpenAI, and OpenAI APIs

• Experience implementing Model Context Protocol (MCP) or structured AI interaction frameworks

• Strong proficiency in Python for AI system and backend development

• Strong understanding of asynchronous programming and distributed system design

• Experience designing microservices-based AI platforms

• Experience collaborating closely with DevOps teams for containerized deployments (Docker), CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure

• AI system monitoring and observability experience using Langfuse, logging frameworks, telemetry systems, and evaluation pipelines

• Strong SQL and data handling expertise

 

Additional Technical Expertise

• Strong foundation in traditional machine learning techniques (classification, regression, clustering, forecasting)

• Hands-on experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, XGBoost

• Experience in feature engineering, model evaluation, and hyperparameter optimization

• Experience working with vector databases, embeddings, and semantic search systems

• Exposure to MLOps practices, model deployment strategies, and CI/CD pipelines

• Knowledge of AI security, governance, and ethical AI implementation

• Experience working in Azure-based AI and ML environments (Azure ML, Azure AI Services preferred)

 

Leadership & Engagement

• Proven experience leading AI engineering teams and defining technical vision

• Strong stakeholder, client, and vendor management capabilities

• Ability to translate complex business challenges into scalable AI architectures

• Experience collaborating across global teams and time zones

• Strong communication, ownership mindset, and architectural decision-making ability

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion

Experience Level

Senior Level